UPS already operates 2,022 alternative-fuel vehicles and has invested more than $25 million to develop its AFV fleet, which besides hybrid-electric includes such other fuels as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and all-electric. The fleet is deployed in eight countries besides the United States and since 2000 has traveled 185 million miles. Currently, there are 250 UPS HEV delivery vehicles operating in the United States.
“Hybrid-electric technology has proven itself to be effective in the field,” says Mike Britt, UPS director of vehicle engineering. “We are eager to receive these new HEVs in 2011 and get them on the road. Continued investment in fuel-efficient technology is a part of our overall environmental strategy.”
The HEV fleet features two different size vehicles from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. and a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corp. The external truck bodies are identical to other signature brown UPS trucks, although they feature additional labeling identifying them as hybrid electrics.
“Eaton is very proud of our 10-year relationship developing hybrid power systems with UPS,” says Dimitri Kazarinoff, vice president and general manager of Eaton Hybrid Power Systems Division. “UPS is a global leader in the adoption of clean transportation technologies, and their support and continued orders are helping to make both of our businesses sustainable.”
